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    Express Entry

    IKAIGAI  /  short-desc  /  Express Entry

    Express Entry

    This program helps skilled workers to get entry into Canada. An electronic system is used for the management of applications of skilled workers.

    If an applicant submits their online profile, the federal government decides whether they are eligible for Express entry program. Eligible candidates are judged by a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) – which is based on the age, qualification, language skills, other skills, work experience and other factors. The government uses this point-based system to assess and rank candidates in the express entry pool.

    Approximately every two weeks, the Canadian government selects the highest-scoring candidates from the Express Entry pool and provides them with an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

    How Express Entry Works

    There are two major steps involved in express entry work – In the first step, eligible candidates approach Canadian government for their expression of interest in seeking Canadian Permanent Resident status. In the next step, Canadian government select the high scoring candidates and invites them to immigrate to Canada. It takes approximately two weeks for the Canadian government to select the high scoring candidates from the express entry pool with an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

    The invited candidates have 60 days to submit their application online for permanent residence. IRCC will usually takes up to six months to process application. After submission of the application – a candidate’ profile with complete information is locked. It cannot be changed further.

    Invited Candidates must still meet eligibility and admissibility requirements under Canada’s Immigration Law.

    Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

    The government of Canada uses a points-based system to assess and rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. A candidate’s age, education, work experience, language skills and other factors are taken into consideration to calculate CRS score. The candidates are ranked based on this score. The candidates who rank higher according to CRS score are invited to apply for permanent residence.

    How can I calculate my Express Entry CRS Score?

    Ikaigai provides a free tool. You can use this tool to calculate your Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System score. Ikaigai Immigration will help you all along.

    Calculate your Express Entry CRS Score

    Improve Your CRS Score

    You can try to maximize your CRS score if you think that your score is low. Identify the cause and take the following steps to improve your score:

    • Your Express Entry profile is important.
    • You must represent yourself accurately.
    • Obtain a job offer
    • If you receive a job offer eligible under Express Entry, you can get up to 50 or 200 additional CRS points.
    • Retake your language test – It will fetch you around 160 to 260 points. You can focus on this area to improve more.
    • Obtain more work experience – you can gain additional work experience or better document the current work experience.
    • Obtain a provincial nomination
    • Have your spouse as the principal applicant.

    Express Entry Immigration Steps

    The step-by-step process of submitting your Express Entry profile and obtaining your permanent residence visa to Canada is as follows:

    Check out whether you meet the eligibility criteria for Express Entry.

    Create an online EE profile to make an expression of interest.

    Provide complete information about your education, language, skills, work experience and so on. Make sure that your information is accurate.

    Obtain your language testing and Educational Credentials Assessment (ECA) results.

    Remember – without these results and assessment your express entry profile cannot be processed.

    Submit your profile on the website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

    Immigration Canada places you in the pool of prospective candidates, once it confirms your eligibility. The Express Entry Pool is based on CRS.

    Wait to check whether you receive an ITA (an Invitation to Apply) for PR from IRCC.

    Once you receive an Invitation to Apply, submit your PR application to IRCC within the specified time frame. Include all your relevant certificates and medical exam reports along with your application for Permanent Residence (PR). After submission of your application, you will get an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) from IRCC.

    When IRCC asks you to submit biometrics, you should do so.

    Your application processing may take up to 6 months or less to finalize by the IRCC.

    After approval, you will receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a permanent visa.

    Next, you will travel to Canada.

    Am I eligible for Express Entry?

    You must have to meet the criteria of the following Federal visa programs to become eligible for the Express Entry program:

    Federal Skilled Learner Program – Learn more

    Canadian Experience Class – Learn more

    Federal Skilled Trade Program – Learn more

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    1. Can I get an Ontario nomination through Express Entry?

    Yes. Ontario runs streams that work with the federal system, and some of them invite candidates directly from the Express Entry pool. If you are looking at express entry in Canada/Ontario options, a nomination adds 600 points to your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which usually guarantees an invitation to apply for permanent residence. Ontario selects candidates based on its own criteria, so having a strong profile and the right occupation helps.

    2. Which Express Entry program is right for me?

    It depends on your background. The Federal Skilled Worker Program suits people with skilled work experience who may not have worked in Canada. The Canadian Experience Class suits people who already have skilled work experience in Canada. The Federal Skilled Trades Program suits qualified tradespeople. We review your history and enter you under the program that gives you the strongest chance.

    3. Which language test do I need for Express Entry?

    You must take an approved test, which for English means IELTS General Training or CELPIP General, and for French means TEF Canada or TCF Canada. Your results count for a large share of your CRS score, so many candidates retake the test to improve their points. Results are valid for two years.

    4. Can a foreign-trained teacher apply through Express Entry?

    Yes. Express entry for teachers in Canada is open to foreign-trained teachers who meet the program requirements, including an Educational Credential Assessment for their degree, minimum language scores, and qualifying work experience. IRCC has run category-based draws that included education occupations, which can lower the score you need. Check the current draw categories before you apply, because they change.

    5. What happens after I receive an invitation to apply?

    You have 60 days to submit your full application, including forms, supporting documents, police certificates, medical exams, and fees. Missing the deadline means you lose the invitation. We prepare as much as possible before you enter the pool so you can file well inside that window.

    6. Can I teach in Ontario as soon as I land as a permanent resident?

    Not automatically. Permanent residence gives you the right to work, but teaching in Ontario requires certification from the Ontario College of Teachers. The process can take time, so it is smart to start your credential review early, even before you land.